News

Residents have say on future improvements to estate

RESIDENTS on a Barry housing estate have put forward their views on improvements they believe vital to their neighbourhood.

People living in Gibbonsdown last week attended three feasibility study sessions where opinions were sought ahead of a proposed Vale Council application for Welsh Government funding to improve the outward appearance of areas between Skomer Road and St Bride’s Way, Pendine Close and Oak Field Primary School and Pendoylan Close.

Community campaigner Molly Conway said she believed the installation of solar panels could assist residents in saving money on their household bills.

She said: “We are going to put people's money back in their pockets. Solar panelling is the way to go. On this estate there is so much poverty and deprivation and it’s been labelled like this since 1985. Let’s give people what they need.”

“Families are freezing – it’s heartbreaking.”

Vale Council housing manager (estate management and anti-social behaviour) Alan Sinclair said: “The response has been quite positive. People have pointed out how much the area has improved over the last ten years. It’s important to get their views in the beginning rather than afterwards and we have had patterns emerging.”